Chief of UNASUR observers: "The legitimacy of Evo Morales´ leadership has been ratified"

SANTIAGO.- The former chancellor and head of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Ignacio Walker, was quite satisfied with the results of the recall referendum performed in Bolivia.  Walker stated today that the voting process in the neighboring country ratified the legitimacy of the administration overseen by President Evo Morales.

“Not only has power not been eroded, but on the contrary, the legitimacy of the political leadership he represents has been ratified and approved”, Walker told Emol while adding that the 63% approval rate achieved by the President “is a very impressive figure considering that he was elected with only 54% of the votes at the end of 2005”.

In Walker’s opinion, the referendum was “quite an ideal example of civil and democratic behavior”, since more that 80% of the population participated.

On the other hand, Walker indicated that the ratification of five opposing party prefects in the towns of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Tarija and Chuquisaca cannot be ignored and called for the safeguarding of “an atmosphere of agreement and negotiation”.